VOA常速英语:'Uncaged' Billed as Zac Brown Band's Best Album Yet

A Billboard magazine review of the Zac Brown Band’s latest release, “Uncaged,” said, “This might well be the best country release of 2012 so far, and that could even be an understatement.”

That band describes its new album as “the best record we’ve made.” The 11 tracks cover everything from Country, Southern rock, and bluegrass, to Caribbean and rhythm & blues.

Since arriving on the Country music scene in 2010, the Zac Brown Band has taken eight of its 10 singles to Number One. The group’s members write nearly all of the songs they record, play every instrument and also have a hand in the arranging and producing of their albums.

New to the Zac Brown Band is percussionist Daniel de los Reyes. Daniel has performed with such artists as Ricky Martin, Sting, Billy Joel and Sheryl Crow, among many others.

Earlier this year, the Zac Brown Band bought a studio in Nashville where it will record future albums. The studio will also host projects by up-and-coming artists signed to Zac Brown’s Southern Ground label.

"Uncaged” gave the Zac Brown Band its best sales week ever by moving 234,000 copies its first week of release. That was enough for the album to debut at Number One on both the Country and Billboard 200 charts.

The group is currently supporting its new album with a North American tour. At each concert stop, the Zac Brown Band holds “eat-and-greets” before the show. Some 75 lucky fans are given the chance to spend time with the band while enjoying Southern cuisine. Many of the recipes were created by Zac Brown himself. Before becoming a Country music star, Zac was a chef and restaurant owner in his home state of Georgia.

Upcoming plans for the Zac Brown Band include its second annual Southern Ground Music and Food Festival in Charleston, South Carolina and Nashville, Tennessee. Next year, Zac plans to open Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Georgia. The camp will bring together mainstream, underprivileged and special needs children to gain a greater understanding of each other. They’ll also learn about nutrition at the on-site organic farm.

The third single from the album, “The Wind,” entered the Country chart at Number 27. Rascal Flatts is the only other group in SoundScan history to debut higher on the list.